The End (?) of the 'Favre-a-palooza'

Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe calls it the "Favre–a–palooza."

Well, that's probably as apt a description as any of what appeared, in recent years, to be Brett Favre's annual exercise in ego. But that is too simplistic a summation, it seems to me.

I know many NFL fans have grown weary of this Hamlet in a helmet routine. But I can understand how Favre has felt torn between wanting to play and coming to terms with the fact that his body can't do that kind of thing anymore.

In recent days and weeks, it seemed more and more likely that Favre would take the money, put on the Viking purple and try to lead Minnesota back to the Super Bowl for the first time since Favre was a little boy. And, in the process, possibly give the Vikings their first Super Bowl title in their existence.

Unlike many, I have never been convinced that he was the difference maker, that his presence would put Minnesota in the Super Bowl and save coach Brad Childress. Sure, he got off to a great start in New York last year, but he collapsed in December, which seemed to confirm my suspicion that 39 was really too old for anyone, even someone as talented as Favre, to be starting at quarterback in the NFL.

Now, it seems Favre has reached the same conclusion.

Of course, things may change. Favre may yet throw everyone a curve and change his mind. But, for now, we have to take him at his word.

And, as Judd Zulgad reports for the Minneapolis Star–Tribune, the recently reinstated Michael Vick doesn't appear to be an option the Vikings are considering at quarterback.

So that apparently means that Minnesota will stick with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels at the quarterback position.

I have to wonder what state of mind those two guys are in, given the fact that their organization has been publicly pursuing Favre this summer. What does that tell them about the franchises's faith in their abilities? Not much, I would guess.

So now begins the really hard part for Childress and his staff — trying to convince Jackson and Rosenfels that the coaches and the players have always had confidence in them.

Sounds like a tough sell to me.